Icefall- A Dane Maddock Adventure: Dane Maddock Adventures, #5

By David Wood

When the bones of the Magi are stolen from their resting place in a German cathedral, a dying priest's whispered clue catapults Dane and Bones into the midst of a deadly race to solve a centuries-old conspiracy. Danger lurks at every turn and no one knows where the clues will lead... or what they will uncover. From ancient cathedrals, to hidden temples, to icy mountain peaks, Dane and Bones must outrun and outwit their enemies in the pulse-pounding adventure- Icefall. Fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins will love this thrilling novella!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adrenaline Press
• Release date: Dec 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781507048269

David Wood

David A. Wood has more than forty years of international gas, oil, and broader energy experience since gaining his Ph.D. in geosciences from Imperial College London in the 1970s. His expertise covers multiple fields including subsurface geoscience and engineering relating to oil and gas exploration and production, energy supply chain technologies, and efficiencies. For the past two decades, David has worked as an independent international consultant, researcher, training provider, and expert witness. He has published an extensive body of work on geoscience, engineering, energy, and machine learning topics. He currently consults and conducts research on a variety of technical and commercial aspects of energy and environmental issues through his consultancy, DWA Energy Limited. He has extensive editorial experience as a founding editor of Elsevier’s Journal of Natural Gas Science & Engineering in 2008/9 then serving as Editor-in-Chief from 2013 to 2016. He is currently Co-Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Geo-Energy Research.

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ICEFALL

When the bones of the Magi are stolen from their resting place in a German cathedral, the whispered words of a dying priest catapult Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake into the midst of a deadly race to solve a centuries-old conspiracy. Danger lurks at every turn and no one knows where the clues will lead... or what they will uncover. From ancient cathedrals, to hidden temples, to icy mountain peaks, Maddock and Bones must outrun and outwit their enemies in the thrilling adventure- Icefall!

Praise for David Wood and the Dane Maddock Adventures

Dane and Bones.... Together they're unstoppable. Rip roaring action from start to finish. Wit and humor throughout. Just one question - how soon until the next one? Because I can't wait.  Graham Brown, author of Shadows of the Midnight Sun

What an adventure! A great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight as well, into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored.  Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA Files

A page-turning yarn blending high action, Biblical speculation, ancient secrets, and nasty creatures. Indiana Jones better watch his back!  Jeremy Robinson, author of SecondWorld

With the thoroughly enjoyable way Mr. Wood has mixed speculative history with our modern day pursuit of truth, he has created a story that thrills and makes one think beyond the boundaries of mere fiction and enter the world of 'why not'?  David Lynn Golemon, Author of Ancients, Event, Legend, and Leviathan

A twisty tale of adventure and intrigue that never lets up and never lets go!  Robert Masello, author of Bestiary and Blood and Ice

Let there be no confusion: David Wood is the next Clive Cussler. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop until the last mystery plays out in the final line.  Edward G. Talbot, author of 2012: The Fifth World

I like my thrillers with lots of explosions, global locations and a mystery where I learn something new. Wood delivers! Recommended as a fast paced, kick ass read.  J.F. Penn, author of Desecration

Dourado is a brisk read, reminiscent of early Cussler adventures, and perfect for an afternoon at the beach or a cross-country flight. You'll definitely want more of Maddock. Sean Ellis- Author of Into the Black

Icefall, A Dane Maddock Adventure

Published by Adrenaline Press

www.adrenaline.press

Adrenaline Press is an imprint of Gryphonwood Press

www.gryphonwoodpress.com

Copyright 2011, 2017 by David Wood

All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. All events and characters depicted are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Prologue

"They are coming for me." Johannes had repeated the words so many times that they no longer held any meaning. It was now a mantra; sounds to ward off the shadows that lurked in the night. He no longer remembered what, exactly, he feared lurked in the darkness just beyond the edge of his vision. Bitter cold and utter exhaustion had driven that from his mind. Now, it was only the memory of fear that drove him on.

Snow crunched under his feet with each frozen footfall, a counterpoint to the steady whisper of the ice-choked Rhine. Each exhalation sent up a cloud of vapor that wreathed his face like an ethereal fog as he stumbled through the frozen night. Up ahead, a faint twinkle of lights beckoned to him. He was almost there!

Hope kindled a tiny flame somewhere deep inside him and he quickened his pace. He tightened his grip on the sack slung over his shoulder. What was inside it? He couldn’t quite remember.

By the time he staggered up the cathedral steps, he scarcely had the strength to stand. He fell against the door and managed with only the greatest of efforts, to knock twice. He waited, soft flakes of snow brushing his cheeks like angel’s wings. Finally, he heard a voice from inside.

"Who is there?’

Johannes. He poured all his strength into the word, but it came out barely a murmur. The man inside must have heard him, because he continued as expected.

And what brings you here at this hour?

Johannes drew a shivering breath and spoke the one word that would gain him entrance.

Dreihasenbild.

The door creaked open and he managed to take three wobbling steps inside before he fell to his knees. The cathedral was hardly warm inside, but after days trekking through the snow, it felt to Johannes like summertime. The gloved fingers of his left hand sought the clasp at the neckline of his cloak, but they were too numb to manage the task. His right hand still clutched the sack, and he would not relinquish that until he saw the priest.

Here, brother, let us get you somewhere you can rest. Strong hands grabbed him under the arms and helped him to his feet.

Must see the Father, he gasped. Dreihasenbild, he added for emphasis. That should forestall any argument from the robed and hooded monk who supported his weight as he hobbled down the aisle, stopping before the altar. Bring the Father.

I am here. A tall man with a shaved head and amber-colored eyes seemed to materialize out of thin air. He moved to the altar and stood before Johannes. Their eyes locked, and the father’s brow crinkled slightly, as if he waited for Johannes to answer a question yet unasked. I am pleased to see you have returned safely.

Johannes found himself unable to meet the priest’s gaze. His eyes drifted to the golden casket behind the altar. As his eyes locked on its shining surface, memories came flooding back. His knees gave way and he slumped to the floor.

Johannes! The priest dropped to one knee in front of him and clasped his shoulders. Forgive me. I was so pleased to see you alive that I did not consider the condition you are in. He glanced up at the monk who had opened the door for Johannes. Fetch a blanket, food, and a cup of hot water for our brother.

The monk hurried away. When the sound of his footsteps faded into silence, the priest’s demeanor changed. His expression grew grave and his stare hard.

Did you find it? There was no need to say what ‘it’ was.

I could not get close, Johannes said.

But it exists? The priest gave him a small shake as he spoke.

I believe so, but there is no way to say for certain. Uncertainty crept into his voice. He doubted the priest would believe what he had seen. But then he remembered what was in the bag and why he had brought it. If it is where I believe it is, death awaits anyone who ventures there.

The priest stood and folded his arms across his chest. You will have to go back. I will send men with you to keep you safe.

There aren’t enough men to fight the devil himself! Johannes was surprised at the strength in his own words. His minions guard it.

The priest cocked his head. Minions of the devil?

Monsters, Johannes croaked. And I brought proof. With trembling hands, he opened the sack and upended it, spilling its contents onto the floor.

The priest sucked in his breath through gritted teeth and took a step back. What are these foul things and why have you brought them into the house of God?

I needed to prove the truth of my words. It is just like the temple...

Are you mad? the priest hissed. You are in the cathedral. Remember yourself.

Johannes did remember, and he began to tremble as he recalled the past several days—the fight for his life and his desperate trek back to the cathedral, all the while fearing what might be following behind him. The devil... His mouth was suddenly dry. The devil gathers all the light to himself. They will come for... He raised an unsteady hand and pointed at the golden casket.

The priest seemed to understand immediately. He once again knelt alongside Johannes and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. I will do what needs to be done. You may rest now.

Johannes closed his eyes and let his shoulders sag. Rest would be a welcome thing.

His eyes snapped open as a fiery lance of pain tore through his chest. He tried to cry out, but his breath was gone. He looked down to see a knife hilt protruding from his chest.

No, don’t look at that. Look at me, the priest cooed.

Johannes looked into the amber eyes and saw nothing there. No compassion, no love, only emptiness.

You have done well, the priest said. The secrets must be kept. You understand.

I... don’t... Johannes gasped.

The priest gave a sad smile, yanked the dagger free, and wiped it on Johannes’ cloak. Gently, like a mother putting her babe to bed, he

Reviews for Icefall- A Dane Maddock Adventure

[moonfish_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I was a bit disappointed by this book. The beginning was fantastic as it detailed the wreckage of a ship which was laden with ancient artifacts. The middle was ok as well but I found the ending a bit far-fetched for my liking. Still, it did not take lone to read and was enjoyable for the most part.